Dr. Bryan Pierce is the current Chief Curator of the National Museum of African American Music. He previously held the position of Digital Archivist at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In both his academic work and as a museum professional, Pierce has specialized in subterranean African American aesthetics in music and decorative arts. He pursued a PhD from Arkansas State University, and throughout his time at ASU, Pierce worked at the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum. He was also on the exhibition development team for the Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash. After completing the doctoral program, Pierce accepted an Assistant Registrar/Curator position with the Department of Arkansas Heritage.